Particle.news
Download on the App Store
43 ARTICLES
·
1h ago

AL Central Turns on Tigers-Guardians Series as Mets’ Wild-Card Path Narrows

Head-to-head tiebreakers could decide both races.

Image
Image
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 18: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets in action during the game against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field on September 18, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Image

Overview

  • The Tigers lead Cleveland by one game entering a three-game set in Cleveland from Sept. 23–25, with Tarik Skubal facing Gavin Williams in the opener.
  • The Guardians hold a 6–4 edge in the season series, so one win secures the tiebreaker for Cleveland, while a Detroit sweep would flip it to the Tigers.
  • Detroit’s magic number to clinch the division is six, with scenarios ranging from clinching via a sweep to trailing with Cleveland’s tiebreaker if swept.
  • Cleveland’s climb has been powered by pitching — MLB-best 3.38 ERA since the All-Star break — while non-Skubal Tigers starters have posted a 5.48 ERA in the second half; Skubal owns a 0.41 ERA vs. Cleveland this year.
  • In the NL, the Mets are tied with the Reds for the final wild-card spot but trail on the tiebreaker, have lost 11 of 15, and finish on the road as Cincinnati closes with Pirates then Brewers.